Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Studio Artists proudly announce their 18th Annual Open Studios Tour, featuring the works of 45+ studio artists, along with exclusive access to the artists in their studios. The tour, which is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind on the Central California Coast, takes place Labor Day weekend and benefits the William Sansum Diabetes Research Institute. The event kicks off with an opening reception from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, at Santa Barbara Fine Art, 1324 State Street, Suite J (in the Arlington Plaza). The tour runs from 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Monday.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased at www.santabarbarastudioartists.com, or at Santa Barbara Fine Art, where the tour can also be previewed throughout the month of August.

“Over the years, the Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour has developed a reputation for excellence that transcends that of all its competitors,” says Board president Francis Scorzelli. “That’s due to the exceptional quality and excitement of our members’ work—as well as the beauty and appeal of Santa Barbara itself. Every year, regional, national and international collectors, interior designers, and gallery owners plan trips to Santa Barbara during the Open Studios Tour weekend to view and purchase exceptional art.”

Rare, behind-the-scenes look at artists in their work environment

One of the primary appeals of the tour is access to participating artists’ studios and conversations with the artists themselves. The self-guided driving tour steers visitors through the beautiful backroads, picturesque neighborhoods, and stunning estates of one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world. Although paintings make up the majority of work displayed, sculpture, mosaic, and mixed-media works are also included. All members of Santa Barbara Studio Artists are chosen by jury and their works are sought-after by exclusive galleries, museums, and private and corporate collections from Los Angeles to New York, Paris, and beyond.

The tour caters to buyers and collectors on Saturday and Sunday, with tickets priced at $50/individual; $40/couple, and to students, families, and others, with a free half-day on Monday. Children 12 and under are free all three days. Tickets can be purchased online at www.santabarbarastudioartists.com, and at Santa Barbara Fine Art, which is also where maps of the tour are available.

Proceeds benefit William Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, a global leader, dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by diabetes through research, education, and care. Dr. William Sansum brought renown to Santa Barbara in 1922 as the first physician in the U.S. to produce and administer life-saving insulin to patients with diabetes. He founded the non-profit organization in 1944 and it remains an extraordinary place, where research, education and care have improved the lives of people worldwide who are impacted by this life-threatening disease.

Santa Barbara Studio Artists is a nonprofit trade organization of professionals who maintain working studios in Santa Barbara. Members are selected for the quality of their work and exhibition history. Most of our artists have gravitated to Santa Barbara from all over the United States and abroad as well as from many different schools because they find it a congenial and inspiring environment in which to work.

Our purpose is to increase the audience for individual artists and to promote awareness of Santa Barbara as an art destination. By doing so we aim to have a positive influence on the incomes and reputations of the many artists who have chosen to live here.

The purpose of Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour is to promote the interests of professional artists working in Santa Barbara and to increase public awareness of Santa Barbara as an important destination for art and culture.